Effective tailgate talks boost training value

Learn how to create impactful tailgate talks that enhance your team's training outcomes with strategic curriculum development, content delivery, and verification techniques.

Define clear training outcomes

Set clear, measurable goals before each tailgate talk. Explain why the training matters, what success looks like, and the steps needed to achieve it, so everyone is focused on the right outcomes.

Develop a comprehensive curriculum

A structured 52-week curriculum with prepared content ensures consistent, thorough training. Cover key topics like procedures, quality, productivity, and always integrate safety throughout.

Craft engaging and relevant content

Keep tailgate talks engaging and relevant to daily work. Use a mix of teaching styles—auditory, visual, and hands-on—following the 2-3-5 rule: 2 minutes instructing, 3 demonstrating, 5 for practice.

Incorporate multiple learning methods

Use a mix of teaching methods—don’t just talk, but also show and let the team practice. Encourage active participation through questions, experience sharing, and hands-on learning.

Maintain motivation and engagement

Keeping your team motivated and engaged during training sessions can be challenging but is essential for effective learning.  Start simple, explain its value, and stay brief and focused. Always address the question, “What’s in it for them?” to keep the team invested in the training.

Verify and reinforce training effectiveness

Verify training by having team members demonstrate their skills, use assessments to check understanding, and reinforce learning with follow-ups and feedback. This continuous reinforcement helps in maintaining high standards and improving over time.

By following these strategies, you can build purposeful and thought-out tailgate talks that significantly enhance your team’s training outcomes. 

Phill Sexton, ASM is founder of WIT Advisers.